Two Hungry Wolves Let Loose Among Sheep

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “Two hungry wolves let loose among sheep are not more harmful than a person’s craving after wealth and status is to his Religion.” (1)

Shaikh Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, clarified that the corruption through craving for wealth and high status in the religion cannot be lesser than the corruption (caused) by two hungry wolves let loose among a livestock, and this is manifest, for indeed there is (nothing) of this craving in the sound religion. This is because when the heart tastes the sweetness of servitude to Allah and love of Him, nothing else becomes more beloved to it than that. Through this, evil and immorality are averted from the people who are sincere to Allah. (2)

Imam Ibn Rajab, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: Eagerness for high status is of two types: the first type is to seek high status through leadership, authority and wealth. This is very dangerous and in most cases it prevents (a person) from the good of the afterlife, its nobility, honour and elevated station. Allah, The Most High, said:

[تِلْكَ الدَّارُ الْآخِرَةُ نَجْعَلُهَا لِلَّذِينَ لَا يُرِيدُونَ عُلُوًّا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فَسَادًا ۚ وَالْعَاقِبَةُ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ – That home of the Hereafter (i.e. Paradise), We shall assign to those who rebel not against the truth with pride and oppression in the land nor do mischief by committing crimes. And the good end is for the pious]. [Al-Qasas. 83]

The second type is to seek high status and to be raised in status above the people through the religious affairs, such as knowledge, deeds and Zuhd. This is more abominable than the first type and greater in danger and corruption. This is because knowledge, deeds and Zuhd are for seeking what Allah (has prepared for His slaves) of high station and everlasting bliss – a means to drawing close to Him and to receive His favours. Imam Sufyaan Ath-Thawree, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “Knowledge has more virtue because it is for attaining fear of Allah, but if not, it is just like all other things”. (3)

Imam Muhamad Ibn Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “Two hungry wolves let loose on a flock! Then what will remain from the flock?! Even when a single wolf stops eating because its stomach is full, it still kills the rest of the flock, then what about two hungry wolves let loose on a flock!! Not a single will remain. Likewise, a person who craves for wealth or status will corrupt the religion. Because of this, it is obligated to a person that his intention is far removed from this- far removed from craving for wealth and status in the religion. We ask Allah to aid us to accomplish this”. (4)

[1] Declared authentic by Imam Al-Albani [ may Allah have mercy upon him] in Saheeh Sunan At-Tirmidhee 2376

[2] An Excerpt from (Majmoo Al-Fataawaa) 10/215]

[3] Excerpts from the book (Two hungry wolves let loose amongst a flock of sheep) pages: 29-33]

[4] An Excerpt from at-Taleeq Alaa Siyaasah Shar’iyyah. pages 454-455